In the world of furniture manufacturing, there are companies that specialize in indoor furniture, outdoor furniture and between the two there is a limited amount of crossover. Outdoor furniture is built differently from the indoor variety, and while you can always use outdoor furniture indoors, the opposite is not always the case. If you’re debating moving some furniture outside for a party or a much longer period of time, know what should and shouldn’t be used, and what can be renovated to better handle the elements.

Be a material girl:

You don’t have to be a Madonna to realize that some materials are better suited for outdoors than others, depending on the type of furniture. Outdoor materials must be strong enough to withstand varying temperatures, a certain amount of moisture from rain, dew, etc. and humidity.

Common sense dictates that there are certain materials that should never be taken outside unless you are absolutely sure the weather will be perfect. For example, rugs are a mess when they get wet. It takes forever to dry and can get moldy, and it also gets very stiff in cold weather. This is why rugs that are not designed for the outdoors should stay indoors. Similarly, materials such as suede, fleece, and dry-only materials should also not be taken outside. Companies make deep seat and cushion fabrics that mimic the feel of more luxurious materials, but are fully waterproof.

Then there are certain pieces that can go outside for limited periods of time before you have to worry. Wicker, for example, although technically considered a garden piece of furniture, is not that strong and holds up much better in sunrooms and away from prolonged exposure to the sun and rain. Then there are things like thin ceramic, ceramic and plastic pieces that are waterproof but not suitable as furniture, for outdoors or indoors. They are not strong enough to withstand extreme changes in temperature or harsh inclement weather. Untreated metal is also fine to get wet for short periods, but for much longer and risks rusting.

Then there are those materials intended to be used as outdoor furniture. Outdoor materials are especially plentiful but still look nice to look at. You can see examples of tables, chairs, planters and more made of the following: treated wood and hardwoods, galvanized metal, powder coated metal (aluminum, wrought iron, zinc hardware), stone and concrete (such as tables, benches and umbrella stands), marbles, reinforced clay and ceramics (such as flower pots), polyresin plastics, and waterproof nylon (used in canopies and as cushion covers).

This list only begins to scratch the surface of the multitude of materials that make up our lives. In general, use your best judgment on whether something can go outside. Be aware of weather patterns. If it’s really nice, you can be more forgiving of what you take outside as furniture. However, outdoor conditions can change quickly, so be vigilant.

Treat the wood

The best thing you can repurpose for use as indoor / outdoor furniture is wood. It’s no more difficult than adding a little varnish, and it could save you from buying new furniture unnecessarily. To get started, take a look at the wood you are working with. Stay away from old wood that is in poor condition as it will deteriorate at an even faster rate once it is taken outside. Next, check what kind of wood you have. Some of the naturally stronger woods, such as teak, pine, cedar, and cypress, are great for outdoors. These woods are already strong and durable on their own and require little additional protection. More delicate woods will require additional sealant and even then they probably won’t last as long outside as hard woods.

To begin the waterproofing process, you will need to cover the wood with a fade and UV resistant finish. Sand off any lacquer that already exists on your furniture. Whatever finish you have, it is most likely intended for the interior, and while it will give your furniture a high shine, it is not the right type of varnish that will protect it from moisture and the elements outside. Once the surface is smooth, even, and clean, you can apply a sealer, usually an oil-based varnish, unless you are working with a wood that produces its own oils, such as teak and cedar furniture. The atmospheric elements outside will dry out wood more quickly than furniture kept inside, so it is important to protect the surface and heartwood from cracking, rotting, and warping. Once it is complete, it is ready. From then on, simply grease and clean your wooden furniture once or twice a year to keep it healthy.